DOWNTOWN RACINE GRANT PROGRAM
The Downtown Racine Corporation (DRC) Business Enhancement Reimbursement Grant is designed to support businesses investing in the vitality of the downtown area.
A grant of $2,000 per location is available to eligible applicants.
Eligible applicants include businesses that have located within the downtown district (see eligibility map) within 18 months of submitting this grant application, as well as businesses that are planning to lease or purchase a building in the downtown area. This program aims to encourage continued investment, strengthen the business environment, and enhance the overall appeal of downtown Racine.
Qualified business must be:
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A for-profit company
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Located in the eligible area
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If not located in the eligible area yet, must have a lease or purchase agreement
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First day of operation must be within 18 months of the date of grant application
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Operated your business for more than 2 years in another location and are considering a new downtown Racine location
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Occupy a store front on the street grade (first story)
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Open to the public for a minimum of 32 hours per week
The grant amount would be $2,000 per business within the eligible area. One application can be submitted by each business.
Exterior Improvements:
- Exterior paint or masonry refresh
- New or restored awnings
- Window display enhancements
- Planters, lighting, or decorative exterior elements
- Door replacement or refinishing
- High-quality, permanent outdoor sandwich boards
- Exterior blade signs (6th and 7th Street only)
- Window vinyl graphics
- Exterior lighting improvements
Interior Improvements:
- Interior branded feature wall signage
- Custom shelving (not inventory)
- Display tables and racks
- Interior lighting upgrades (track or feature lighting)
Business Development & Capacity Building:
- Small business training programs
- Professional development courses related to
business growth - Marketing consultant services
- Business consultant services (branding, operations
strategy, merchandising strategy, etc.)
Grant funds may not be used for:
- General operating expenses
- Payroll or staffing costs
- Inventory or merchandise
- Rent or mortgage payments
- Utilities
- Consumables
- Decorative items that are not functional
or permanent
- Questions about the program and your completed grant application should be sent to Andrea Safedis at Andrea@rcedc.info
- Grant applications will be reviewed by the DRC Board of Directors and the RCEDC Loan Committee.
- Applications will be reviewed in batches until the funds have been fully allocated.
- April 27 (noon) – first batch of grant applications are due. Responses back to the grant applicants during the week of May 4th.
- May 11 (noon) – second batch of grant applications are due. Responses back to the grant applicants during the week of May 18th.
- June 8 (noon) – third batch of grant applications are due. Responses back to the grant applicants during the week of June 15th.
- June 22 (noon) – fourth batch of grant applications are due. Responses back to the grant applicants during the week of June 29th.
- Once your grant is approved, submit your proof of payment to seek the reimbursement of grant proceeds.
- All grant awards must be disbursed within the calendar year of their approval.
The grant amount would be $2,000 per business within the eligible area. One application can be submitted by each business.